Article 4-3 Male VS.
Female
Can you help me regarding this hormone? I was told it promotes growth when
sprayed on plants. I am not interested in having my plants become
hermaphrodites. Which is it? Growth or hermies or both?
Thanks, Patricia
Patricia,
Both. If sprayed in
higher concentrations, giberellic acid will promote maleness in female plants.
Sometimes this can be desirable. You can produce seeds that will be identical
and all female. These progeny may be more susceptible to accidental
hermaphrodism in future crops. Plants can become hermaphroditic with
environmental stress such as becoming root bound or irregular photoperiods.
Giberellic acid is produced by plants in negative growing conditions, typically
when sugars, O2 (oxygen), and CO2(carbon dioxide) become scarce in shoots.
Giberellic acid promotes cell elongation (stretching) in plants. It can also
limit root growth in higher concentrations. Most products containing giberellic
acids are used for stress relief and elongating plant stems, creating more
flowering sites in early flower initiation. Spraying hormones is not necessary
in a healthy indoor crop where you control environmental factors such as
temperature, light, and moisture. If you decide to spray, follow the
manufacturer's instructions with regard to application rates and timing and make
sure that the product is intended for the stage of growth you would like to use
it in.
Regards, Erik Biksa
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